Active@Home is a Horizon2020 (AAL) founded project that aims at reducing falls for the elderly through the stimulation of playing gamified physical excercises. This project led by the company Dividad was a collaboration between multiples European actors such as Miralab Sarl, ETHZ but also Fraunhofer institute Portugal, etc..
To achieve the objectives, the project was divided into different parts: The first step is to search what type of physical exercises can be used for an interactive game and validate its relevance to health. Secondly, the design and development of an interactive application that can be played on any TV and its related motion sensors. Finally a comparative health study to validate the overall system.
To evaluate the users’ motion and evaluate their progression, a sensor has been developed. This sensor is a small IMU placed into a 3D printed case that allows a strap to be attached. It is connected to a small board computer via bluetooth. The data is then processed and compared to a reference to measure the performance of the user and give feedback. My involvement in this project was focused on the motion capture and design of the exercises.
Motion capture of social dance.
The motion sensors are encased in a 3D printed boxe attached to a flexible wristband.
An elderly person trying one of the game while wearing two sensor at the wrists.
Tools
Unity 3D – Vicon motion capture system – C# – 3D printing
Outcome
An interactive application that allows elderly to practice gamified physical excercises to reduce fall probability validated by a comparative health study.